University of the Azores (IMAR)

Centre of IMAR of the University of the Azores (IMAR/UAz) is integrated in an Associated Laboratory (LARSyS) and based in Horta, classified as Excellent by the Portuguese Science Foundation (FCT). The integrated members of IMAR/UAz are strategically involved in the study of open-ocean and deep-sea ecosystems, with a special focus on the Atlantic but with extensions to other ocean basins. IMAR/UAz has a strong background on ecology and ecosystem based management of open ocean and deep-water marine ecosystems including seamount, cold water coral ecosystems, and hydrothermal vents. Emphasis has also been given to the study of the anthropogenic impacts in the deep sea. In the last two decades IMAR/UAz got involved in large international research consortia, most of them within EU framework projects (e.g. partner in 8 FP7 projects) but many others with a true global focus (e.g. Census of Marine Life programs, or the Ocean Tracking Network). It also performs research activities with appropriate governmental and private research organizations, including services for industry and public administration. The exceptional location of the IMAR/UAz in the middle of the North Atlantic with the easy access of research vessels to the open-ocean and deep-sea, and the in situ observatories constitute a great asset for ocean monitoring and cooperative studies. This research unit support about 50 research fellows, including postdoctorals, PhD and MSc students and visiting scientists. In the AtlantOS project IMAR/UAz will make use of its internationally recognized leading position in biotelemetry to coordinate efforts to spur the European OTN component.